Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge orders review of Bengaluru police action against protesters

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has ordered a formal review into Bengaluru police conduct after officers detained more than 100 demonstrators and several journalists during a protest march on 12 October.

Kharge issued direct instructions to state police forces to ensure that peaceful demonstrations are not disrupted, underscoring the government's obligation to maintain law and order while protecting democratic freedoms.

"The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy. It must be respected, protected, and never suppressed. I have issued instructions to the police to ensure that no peaceful demonstration is disrupted," Kharge said in a statement on social media platform X on 13 October. He added that dissent should not be treated as a threat to public stability, noting that responsible policing must create an environment where citizens can express their views freely.

What happened during the Bengaluru march

The detentions occurred near K.R. Circle as demonstrators attempted to march towards the office of Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukkumar. The demonstration was organised under the banner of the My Vote, My Right Campaign, a coalition comprising more than 40 civil society organisations.

The march brought together students, activists, lawyers, and senior citizens protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The organisers intended to present a memorandum calling for the cancellation of the exercise, the restoration of voter rolls to their January 2025 status, and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged procedural irregularities.

Before the march could proceed, police officers moved in to stop the gathering. Organisers stated that officers seized placards and detained participants, bundling them into buses. Demonstrators alleged that force was used during the operation, with organisers stating that four police personnel beat a photojournalist and manhandled three other reporters covering the event.

Balancing public order and civil rights

Addressing the public response, Kharge affirmed that the state administration is taking steps to ensure police protocols align with constitutional protections. While directing the force to protect peaceful assembly, the home minister also called on civic organisations to work transparently with local law enforcement.

"Our responsibility is not merely to maintain law and order, but to create an environment where every citizen can express dissent freely, peacefully, and without fear," Kharge said. He urged future demonstrators to keep authorities informed in advance, emphasising that coordination prevents disruption and ensures public safety across busy urban centres.

Bengaluru authorities have not yet announced the timeline for the inquiry or whether any personnel face disciplinary measures while the review proceeds.